Beethoven: Missa solemnis | Fabio Luisi, Staatskapelle Dresden, Chorus of the Sächsische Staatsoper

A solemn mass with a symbolic character: The Frauenkirche in Dresden hosted its first public concert to mark its reopening on November 4, 2005. The program included Beethoven’s Missa solemnis, performed by the Staatskapelle Dresden and the Chorus of the Sächsische Staatsoper Dresden, conducted by Fabio Luisi. The soloists were Camilla Nylund, Birgit Remmert, Christian Elsner and René Pape. (00:00) Intro (01:12) Kyrie (11:04) Gloria (29:00) Credo (49:10) Sanctus (1:05:34) Agnus Dei Participants: Camilla Nylund | SOPRANO Birgit Remmert | ALTO Christian Elsner |TENOR René Pape | BASS Chorus of the Saxon State Opera Dresden Matthias Brauer | CHORUS MASTER Dresden State Orchestra Fabio Luisi | CONDUCTOR The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) with its high dome visible from afar is considered the landmark of the city of Dresden in Saxony. In the Second World War, this striking church was destroyed by bombs in February 1945 and existed for decades only as a ruin. From 1993 to 2005 it was rebuilt using the remaining rubble. Its reconstruction is a symbol of hope and reconciliation – and the magnificent church building with its unique blend of old and new bricks is intended to keep the memory of history alive. A work as festive as it is grand was chosen for the reopening concert. The Missa solemnis by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827). The ‘Solemn Mass’ is considered one of the composer’s most important works, and Beethoven himself even called it his greatest work on several occasions. The Mass for four soloists, choir, orchestra and orgue in D major, Op. 123 was composed between 1819 and 1823, after Beethoven had already studied in detail the Latin text of the Mass and its various settings by other composers. The Missa solemnis reflects Beethoven’s struggle with religion and has a clearly confessional character. The individual parts of the mass are divided into five major compositional sections, giving the ‘Great Mass’ an almost symphonic aspect. This famous piece of church music demands a great deal from the vocal soloists, the choir and the large orchestra. Beethoven’s Missa solemnis at the official reopening concert of Dresden’s Frauenkirche in 2005: Experience a moving concert at a location with an eventful history. A Production of ZDF In Cooperation with EuroArts Music International & ARTE © 2005 EuroArts Watch more concerts in your personal concert hall: =PL_SdnzPd3eBV5A14dyRWy1KSkwcG8LEey and in our Beethoven playlist: Subscribe to DW Classical Music: #LudwigvanBeethoven #MissaSolemnis #churchmusic